Take-Two Interactive, the publisher of Grand Theft Auto, spearheaded the trend of $70 AAA game pricing. Concerns exist that they might push this even further with Grand Theft Auto VI.
While a standard edition of GTA VI might remain in the $70 range, avoiding a price point of $80-$100, industry insiders suggest a premium edition priced between $100 and $150 could be offered, potentially including early access.
According to Tez2, Rockstar/Take-Two already sell GTA Online and Red Dead Online separately. GTA VI will be the first title to launch with a standalone online component, while the story mode will be included in a "complete package" encompassing both.
Pricing this dual-offering presents a complex challenge. The cost of the standalone online component will impact the overall price. Similarly, the upgrade cost for story mode access for those who purchased only the online version needs careful consideration.
By offering a lower-priced online version, Take-Two could attract players unable to afford the $70 or $80 full game. This strategy is advantageous as these players could then upgrade to access the story mode. Conversely, some players might desire the story mode but lack the funds for an upgrade.
Take-Two could further monetize this by offering a subscription service similar to Xbox Game Pass, leveraging GTA+. Players opting to continue playing instead of saving for an upgrade would generate consistent revenue, ultimately benefiting Take-Two.
